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Thoshan Panday, Navin Madhoe and Mmamonnye Ngobeni at Durban Magistrates Court Thursday Photo: Desiree Erasmus
Thoshan Panday, Navin Madhoe and Mmamonnye Ngobeni face 230 counts of fraud and corruption totaling R60 million related to temporary police accommodation and other services for the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
Unlike previous appearances, there was no drama in Durban magistrates court on Thursday morning when uMhlanga businessman Thoshan Panday and two other defendants in the 2010 Soccer World Cup corruption case appeared before the magistrate. Mike Lasich.
The procedures lasted six minutes.
The court heard that five other defendants had been added to the indictment and would appear at the next date, subsequently set for February 8, 2021, in Durban High Court, for an interim preliminary hearing.
Panday, looking haggard and tired, former police officer Navin Madhoe and former KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Mmamonnye Ngobeni made their way to the dock before a group of journalists who were yelling for photos.
Ngobeni, unusually hunched over, averted her gaze as best she could. Panday, hands in pockets, stared away from the cameras after their initial approval, as Madhoe stared straight ahead.
Missing former police officer Aswin Narainpershad, who was in isolation after a family member tested positive for Covid-19.
Experienced state attorney, attorney Dorian Paver, who Daily maverick Readers will know from her prosecution of the ongoing Glebelands Eight trial, she was replacing fighter Talitha Louw.
The matter had been postponed as of November, in order for the state to obtain an extortion certificate and finalize its indictment. They were both ready for Thursday’s appearance.
Paver began the process by casually picking up a hard copy of the “bulky” indictment: a stack of papers at least two inches thick. “I have a hard copy, signed by [Investigating Directorate head Hermione] Cronje, but digital versions have been given to my scholarly friends, ”he told the court.
“The state also has a copy of the [racketeering] authorization, signed by [National Director of Public Prosecutions] defender Shamila Batohi … and a trial notice. ”
Appearing for Panday, Jimmy Howse (SC) told the court that he would act for the five to eight defendants in the indictment, the newly added alleged perpetrators, at the next appearance.
It is not clear whether Paver will argue alongside Louw during the royal trial, but it would be wise for the state to use his experience, particularly in organized crime matters, when he takes on the likes of Howse, considered one of the best in the province. criminal defenders. The men have met many times in their extensive careers, and both know the whims and desires of the local judges.
Panday, Madhoe and Narainpershad face 230 fraud and corruption charges totaling R60 million related to temporary police accommodation and other services for the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
According to the state, “they worked together to manipulate the procurement process to ensure that the common goal of the orders / contracts being awarded [went] to a specific supplier, being the commercial entities represented by [Panday] and his relatives … “
They are also accused of over-inflating prices.
The State maintains that Madhoe and Narainpershad “were fully aware that [the five companies used by the SAPS] were all related or controlled by [Panday]”Despite the fact that some of his relatives, including his wife, were listed as directors.
The State has further alleged that in one case, the duo submitted a request for a late accommodation, which “created the situation in which the National Office had to request a deviation from the normal contracting procedure that would ensure that the recommended service providers would obtain the orders. “
In exchange, the State has alleged that Panday, among others, paid for two days’ accommodation in the luxurious Oyster Box for Madhoe and his wife.
Madhoe also allegedly requested “financial assistance” from Panday in the form of R20,000 to buy land, but Panday refused.
However, according to the state, he did pay for flights for Madhoe and his family, paid for more hotel accommodations, and bought a car for Madhoe.
Madhoe, the former head of the procurement management section at the KZN police supply chain unit, has also been accused of attempting to bribe former KZN Hawks chief Johan Booysen with cash allegedly provided by Panday. . Booysen was investigating that Panday and its businesses were favorably considered for tenders at the time.
Narainpershad was part of the police’s KZN supply chain unit at the time of the alleged fraud and corruption. According to the state, the benefits he allegedly received from Panday included R43,500 for his son’s college tuition, a treadmill, also for his son, and hotel stays.
Ngobeni is accused of being an accessory after the fact: she allegedly tried to quell Booysen’s investigation, telling her that too many police management cases were being investigated and that she should stop investigating. Panday also hosted a surprise birthday party for her husband, a brigadier, at a posh upscale venue in Umhlanga. The deposit was paid in cash and the remainder through the Panday’s Diners Club card.
Investigation Directorate spokesperson Sindisiwe Twala, who was present in court, said Daily maverick could not confirm whether the indictment will be circulated to the media, given that the newly added defendants have yet to appear. However, a well-crafted charge sheet reading makes it clear who the defendants will be. DM
To see the previous drama in court, see these two links here and here.
